Gong Cha
I have an obsession, and it is Gong Cha.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so addicted to – what is basically – a milk / bubble tea place.
For those who have resisted the allure of Gong Cha so far (or have no idea what I’m talking about) it’s a Taiwanese style drink franchise. They have branches all over the world and Melbourne’s first store opened late last year in a tiny little shop front on Swanston Street. The shop front is itty bitty but it’s very easy to spot – just look for the large queue of people waiting to order and receive drinks.
I know, I know, bubble tea places are a bit same/same, but Gong Cha is different. You can get milk tea and pearls almost anywhere in Melbourne, but (as far as I’m aware) only at Gong Cha can you get milk foam as a topping.
Seriously guys, the milk foam is just… uuuuugggghh. Itβs thick and creamy and a bit salty (Maz 2.0, stop it), which sounds weird but it really, really works.
You can also set your desired sugar and ice level, which is just pure genius.
The drink I always order is Oolong tea with milk foam (I personally like little sugar and little ice, but I’d suggest starting with a higher level to see what your tastes are like). It’s so refreshing, still tastes like tea and the milk foam is amazing.
The menu is mammoth, so if you do happen to like pearls or milk in your tea, there’s a zillion other combinations to try.
Hopefully another location opens outside the CBD so I can get my tea fix more regularly. Or I can figure out how to replicate the milk foam and stop spending so much money on tea…
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Gong Cha
Shop 231 Swanston Street
Melbourne
Web: gongchatea.com.au
leaf (the indolent cook)
May 1, 2013 @ 9:27 pm
Yeah, it’s great that you can choose how much sugar and ice you like! I went there a few months ago but didn’t specify my sugar preferences, so it was a bit too sweet for me. Next time I’ll go for low sugar.
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:36 pm
Being able to specify your sugar preference and milk foam makes Gong Cha A+++
Catherine
May 1, 2013 @ 11:28 pm
Gah! I’ve been meaning to try out the oolong tea with milk foam but the queue always puts me off. Gotta try soon!
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:38 pm
I’ve been lucky the past couple of times I’ve been and haven’t had to wait long. But I have also queued up like a sucker before. Ahh, I have a problem.
Keren
May 2, 2013 @ 7:41 am
I have to say there’s only really two things I miss about working in the City … one is my reading time on the train, the other is being able to pop out and check out places I read about during my lunch break! π
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:39 pm
I wish I still worked in the city too. But then I think of all the money I don’t spend because I don’t have easy access to shops and good food places… I guess that’s the trade off.
Hannah
May 2, 2013 @ 11:35 am
Ooooh my lactard self desires…
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:40 pm
Well they do have non milk teas… but then you miss out on the milk foam, which is the best part. The best.
Cindy
May 2, 2013 @ 12:43 pm
Milk foam is new to me! I’ll have to break from my usual bubble tea habits and try it.
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:41 pm
Yes, yes, try it! It is so much better than the other bubble tea places π
Cara @ Gourmet Chick
May 3, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
Hmm I have never really got into bubble tea but maybe this place will convert me. Loving all the different nail polishes in the shots!
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:42 pm
I’m also a nail polish addict as well as a Gong Cha addict. π
Daisy@Nevertoosweet
May 6, 2013 @ 8:41 am
I just wished they would open up one in Box Hill or Westfield Doncaster π I’m sick of Bubble Cup and Chatime…I just want Gong Cha hehe
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:43 pm
I want them to open one near meeeeeeee.
msihua
May 11, 2013 @ 7:08 pm
You DO have an addiction! I can’t believe you dedicated a post to them… hahaha
Agnes
May 11, 2013 @ 7:44 pm
They deserve a post! Haaaaaah.
Jane
February 27, 2015 @ 5:35 am
The teas taste so watered down.